Is Donald Trump Leaving Israel Behind? Analyzing His Middle East Strategy
Israel, long regarded as one of the United States' closest allies, appears to be feeling increasingly sidelined by President Donald Trump’s latest actions in the Middle East. This shift in focus has raised questions about the future of US-Israel relations under the Trump administration. While Israel has been a key player in America’s Middle East strategy, recent moves suggest that the Trump administration is no longer prioritizing the nation in the way many Israelis had grown accustomed to.
In what many considered a snub, President Trump’s travel itinerary to the Middle East did not include a stop in Israel, despite attempts from Israeli officials to inquire about the possibility of a visit. For Israel, a country accustomed to being at the center of US foreign policy in the region, this was a significant blow. Trump had made it clear last week that he had no plans to visit Israel during this particular trip, saying, "We will be doing it at some point, but not for this trip." This statement only served to extinguish any hope that Israel might feature in Trump's schedule.
The Growing Frustration Between Israel and Trump’s Administration
Trump’s stance represents the latest in a series of rebuffs Israel has faced from the White House. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had been a strong supporter of Trump, initially took pride in being the first world leader to visit the president during his second term. This visit was closely followed by Netanyahu’s attempt to initiate new trade agreements after Trump’s announcement of sweeping import tariffs. However, despite his best efforts, Netanyahu left the White House without securing any major deals.
Moreover, Israel has become increasingly uneasy over Trump’s handling of key Middle East issues. Trump’s unexpected shift in policy towards Iran, notably his decision to begin talks with Tehran regarding a new nuclear agreement, raised alarms in Israel. For the Israeli government, Iran’s nuclear ambitions are viewed as an existential threat, and Trump’s willingness to engage with Iran, without consulting Israel, has left the nation feeling sidelined.
Trump’s Misdirected Middle East Diplomacy: A Test for Israel's Alliances
Despite the apparent lack of attention to Israel, Trump has emphasized that his Middle East trip does not exclude Israel. He defended his actions, claiming that US relations with other Middle Eastern nations, such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, are ultimately beneficial to Israel. “This is good for Israel,” Trump said. He argued that strong ties with these countries would positively impact Israel’s security and influence in the region.
But for many in Israel, this explanation rings hollow. With the US focusing on normalizing relations between Israel and the Gulf nations through the Abraham Accords, some Israeli officials are questioning whether the Trump administration is shifting its allegiances away from Israel. The potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords has become a major point of contention. However, negotiations have stalled, particularly after the outbreak of the Gaza war, with the kingdom making it clear that any normalization with Israel hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Syrian Sanctions Drama: A Pivotal Moment in US-Israel Relations
Perhaps the most jarring shift in US policy came when Trump announced a major decision to lift sanctions on Syria, specifically targeting Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. This policy change was seen as a direct challenge to Israeli interests, as Israel has long been opposed to easing sanctions on Syria. Al-Sharaa, a controversial figure with ties to jihadist groups, has been a thorn in the side of Israeli security policy. Israeli officials have made it clear that they consider his government to be a threat, with the nation increasing its military operations in the region to prevent an Islamist foothold in southern Syria.
The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of Iranian entrenchment in Syria. This has led to a series of airstrikes on Syrian territory, aimed at destroying Iranian weaponry and preventing the deployment of hostile forces along its northern borders. The US’s decision to lift sanctions, which many Israelis view as a concession to Syria’s regime, has further exacerbated tensions, causing a rift between the two nations.
Trump's Recent Negotiations: Excluding Israel at Every Turn
Trump’s Middle East diplomacy has also excluded Israel in other key negotiations. One notable example was his ceasefire deal with the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, which notably left Israel out of the conversation. Trump went as far as to describe the Houthi rebels as “brave,” just days after one of their missiles struck Israel’s main airport, forcing several international airlines to suspend flights to the country.
Further fueling Israel’s sense of betrayal, Trump has consistently dismissed Israeli requests for military action against Iran. Instead, he has opened negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program, leading many in Israel to question whether the US is abandoning its commitment to Israel’s security.
Mounting Concerns: Is Israel Being Left Behind?
As Trump’s Middle East strategy continues to unfold, many in Israel are beginning to worry that their country may be on the verge of being abandoned by its most important ally. Michael Oren, the former Israeli ambassador to Washington, expressed these concerns, noting that many Israelis are feeling “disconcerted” by the lack of attention from the Trump administration. Shalom Lipner, a former aide to Prime Minister Netanyahu, added that there is a growing sense of panic in Jerusalem as Israelis realize they are no longer the US’s top priority in the region.
Dennis Ross, a former senior US State Department official, further emphasized that Trump’s policies have been dismissive of Israel’s security concerns. “Israeli concerns about Trump’s dealings with Iran are either being ignored or, at best, dismissed,” he said. This sense of neglect has led many to question whether Israel’s relationship with the US will ever be the same again.
The Netanyahu Factor: Israel’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Adding to the sense of unease in Israel is the increasing criticism of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of relations with the US. Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, have accused Netanyahu of failing to secure the release of Israeli hostages through direct negotiations with Hamas, a diplomatic failure that has damaged his standing with both the public and his political rivals. Additionally, Netanyahu has faced growing criticism over his inability to maintain Israel’s prominence on the world stage, especially as the US has pursued separate deals with other Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu’s critics, including Yair Golan, a prominent left-wing Israeli politician, argue that the prime minister’s isolation is putting Israel at a strategic disadvantage. “The Americans are progressing on a deal with the Saudis, on a deal with Iran, and on a new multibillion-dollar regional initiative—yet they are sidelining Netanyahu and Israel,” Golan stated.
Trump's Unpredictability: A Shift in US Foreign Policy
The current state of US-Israel relations has highlighted a stark shift in America’s foreign policy under Trump. Ilan Baruch, a former Israeli ambassador, pointed out that Trump’s administration represents a break from the past, as the president has shown little interest in adhering to the traditional framework of shared values and strategic interests that has characterized US-Israel relations for decades.
For Israel, this shift has been unsettling, particularly given the high hopes many had for Trump’s presidency when he was first elected. Prime Minister Netanyahu celebrated Trump’s victory as a “history’s greatest comeback,” and far-right Israeli factions viewed it as a green light for expansionist policies. However, as the Trump administration’s actions continue to raise doubts, it’s becoming clear that Israel’s expectations may not align with the president’s priorities.
Conclusion: A New Era of US-Israel Relations?
With the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding US-Israel relations, one thing is clear: President Trump’s Middle East strategy is significantly reshaping the region’s geopolitical landscape. For Israel, the question now is whether it can continue to rely on its longtime ally, or if the US is moving towards a new direction that leaves Israel on the periphery.
In the coming months, Israel will likely face difficult decisions regarding its alliances and its security posture in the face of shifting US policies. The country’s leaders will have to navigate an increasingly complex landscape, one where their strongest ally may no longer be as steadfast in its support. Only time will tell whether Israel can maintain its position as a key player in the Middle East or whether it will be forced to seek new alliances as Trump’s foreign policy continues to evolve.
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